Nestled just under the Guest Favorite, the Dark Sky Den cabin. It's a vibe. Sitting among a forest of trees, is a cozy little studio, intimate and dimly lit for ultimate style & relaxation. * 5 Min. from Main St. on Paved Roads * Laid Back w/ Ultimate Ambiance Interior Design * King Bed * 500 Square Foot Studio * Fully Equipped Kitchen * Full Bath w/ Shower * Island / Dining Seating for 2 * Forest Views + Volcan Mountain * Private Deck with Incredible Views * Picture Windows Views of Trees The space Send me a message for customized recommendations that fit your travel style and local interests. : ) Located in the International Dark Sky Community of Julian, just 5 min. from Main St., yet feels miles away. Slow down, unwind & settle into the laid-back life. The Downstairs Den is the dark and moody alternative to its sister space just above, the 5-Star rated, Guest Favorite Dark Sky Den, and featured in LOCALE Magazine. Relax your senses in this contemporary, nomadic-style studio. The Interior Design is peppered with thoughtfully appointed details, custom and vintage accents, and natural materials and textures, along with dim, low-lit lighting that creates an ambience that feels exceptionally cozy. Nestled among the trees, the studio sits on a peaceful half-acre filled with black oaks and a full view of Volcan Mountain. With large, picture windows and a private deck, you'll have a ground's eye view of trees, wandering deer, wild turkey and other birds and wildlife. Experience the joys of Four Season Living! A Beautiful Blooming Spring, Warm Summer Months, Cozy and Colorful Fall and Snowy Winters. STUDIO SPACE: - 1962 Custom Cabin - 450 Square Feet - 1/2 Acre filled with Oak & Pine Trees, Woodpeckers, and occasionally Deer and Wild Turkey - Expansive View of Volcan Mountain from all Windows - King Bed - Sleeps 2 max - Fully Equipped Kitchen - Full Bath with Shower & Multi-Spray Showerhead - Large Picture Windows Facing the Hillside filled with Trees - Wifi - Interior Design Style is Laid-Back, Contemporary Nomad with Natural & Collected Elements. Comfortable, cozy, moody and romantic. - Healthy Home Philosophy with attention to detail in Lighting, Cleaning Products, Furnishings and Simple Living Lifestyle. - Dark Sky Lighting to support Circadian Rhythm and dimmable, warm bulbs to relax your senses (optional Overhead Lights, as needed) - Fireplace is for DECORATION ONLY. Thank you for respecting our fire sensitive community. - Wall Mounted Heater - Extra Linens and Blankets - Desk / Table for those creative working nomads - Private Deck with a Set of Rocking Chairs facing an incredible and peaceful view - On Site Parking (1 car only) on Gravel Driveway - Safe and Walkable Neighborhood - Paved Roads lead to Cabin - 5 Minutes to Historic Main St. - 5 Minutes to Wineries & Breweries, Hiking Trails - 15 Minutes to Wynola & Lake Cuyamaca (Guests must be 25 years or older to book) BEDROOM - King Bed with Nest Mattress - Wardrobe Rack + Hangers - Vintage Gold Heart Locks and Cabinetry Knob Accents - Cabinet Storage for Luggage - (2) Luggage Racks SEATING AREA - Custom Design Seating for 2 KITCHEN - Fully Stocked for Cooking with Pots, Pans & Utensils - Olive Oil, Salt & Pepper Provided - Glassware, Dinnerware & Utensils - Full Refrigerator + Freezer - Electric Stovetop - Oven - Toaster Oven - Blender -Tea Kettle - French Press - Single Serve Coffee Maker (Filter Free) - Coffee & Sugar Provided DINING - Island Seating for 2 - Rotate Table as Island or Facing Window for Expansive View of Hillside Trees and Volcan Mountain BATHROOM - Single Vanity - Shower Stall with Multi-Spray Showerhead - Organic Shampoo, Conditioner & Body Wash Included - Bath Linens - Hairdryer - Views of Hillside filled with Trees & Mountain View DESK - Desk / Table with Chair facing expansive Hillside View - USB Outlets THE DARK SKY Julian is one of two accredited Dark Sky Communities in California, and one in thirty overall. The intention of being a Dark Sky Community is to protect the natural night sky by reducing light pollution. This means that outdoor lighting is carefully designed and controlled to minimize glare and unnecessary brightness. By doing this, we can fully appreciate the awe-inspiring wonders of the night sky, including the stars, constellations, and even the Milky Way! Other than incredible stargazing, having a natural dark sky benefits astronomical research, wildlife preservation and our circadian rhythm. If you're interested, please check out Julian Dark Sky Network. LIGHTING The Den incorporates dark sky lighting inside the cabin too, which creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere while supporting your circadian rhythm. The soft illumination creates a sense of intimacy and relaxation, while also allowing your eyes to adjust to the natural darkness outside. It's the perfect setting for unwinding after a long day or spending quality time with loved ones. With the use of dimmers, warm light bulbs and minimal overhead lighting, you control how bright or dim you want the space to be. One of the best benefits of dark sky lighting at home is how it affects our circadian rhythm, which is our internal body clock that helps regulate our sleep-wake cycle. Now, here's the thing: exposure to bright or blue-rich light in the evening can mess with our circadian rhythm and make it harder to fall asleep. Bright lights, especially at night, triggers our brain into thinking we should be awake as if it's the middle of the day. Whereas dimly lit, downward facing amber or red lights (similar to a campfire), promote melatonin production which tells our body that it's time to relax and prepare for sleep. Wake up in the morning naturally with the morning sun and feel refreshed! I would encourage you to bring the idea of Dark Sky Lighting back with you into your own homes and see how you feel. THINGS TO NOTE: - FIREPLACE FOR DECORATION ONLY, and is non-operational. There are (2) wall mounted heaters that pump out heat on those chilly nights, and a space heater. Plenty of extra blankets are also available. - NO SHOES INDOORS. Kick off your shoes and take it easy. This not only keeps the home free of excess dirt, grime and toxins, but it protects the floors from tiny rocks that scratch, and you'll have a bit of reflexology when you walk around barefoot. - SEPTIC. Please only use the provided toilet paper to flush, and nothing else. Otherwise, Houston, we might have a problem. - NO A/C. In warm summer months, with all windows open and a fan blowing, the cross breeze helps to cool the studio. Because it sits lower and closer to the earth, it tends to stay cooler than the cabin upstairs. Happily, the sun sets earlier and cools off in the evening - perfect for gazing up under the stars. - ALL ELECTRIC. Take note when using the stove and keep temps around Medium and avoid High Heat on the pans. - HIGH WINDS. We're up in the mountains and the winds can kick up to around 20 mph. Bring clothes to layer, especially after the sun sets. - WATER CONSCIOUS. Julian relies on only 3 wells in the areas, which makes water a precious resource. Please turn off water while brushing your teeth, be brief while hand washing dishes, and try to keep showers brief. - UPSTAIRS GUESTS. The studio is located directly below the deck and partial interior of the main cabin, the Dark Sky Den (which sleeps up to 4 people). You may hear the occasional walking above if the space is booked. Please respect their privacy on the upper deck, as they will respect yours on the lower patio. You may see people as you come and go. Give a wave and feel free to say hi, if you like. Everyone is so nice! - YOU ARE IN NATURE. There will be sounds like Woodpeckers hammering on trees, Blue Jays calling out to nearby friends, or gusty winds blowing through the trees. In the evening, you may even hear acorns or rain drops falling on the roof above you, or the occasional small animal climbing up a tree outside your window. You may see a deer or two, a fox or even a wild turkey. And please remember, there are also things like spiders, ants, flies, skunks, raccoons or wild cats. - NO PETS. We are located on a hill, without a lot of spots for animals to roam comfortably to do their business. Coyotes and other Mountain Friends are frequent visitors to the area. Thank you for understanding. Interior Design by Sara Plaisted at Nook Creative Co. It's been a dream to design and host a vacation retreat space as a place to decompress from everyday stresses and relax back into a natural way of being. A spot that's close enough to major areas in Southern California, yet feels like you've been completely transported away from it all. Julian is where it's at! After getting sick with cancer over a decade ago, health and happiness became a priority. There's no better health hack than getting back to basics with non-toxic living, being surrounded by nature, trees, animals and breeze. And most importantly, creating experiences that make you just feel good. I hope to offer you a space to create memories and to leave feeling better than you when you arrived. Guest access The Den is located just off the road down a long driveway, which is shared by 4 other homes originally built as fire lookouts (because of the views!). Parking is available for 1 car max on a gravel parking area, located just beyond the trash bins on the side of the house. I have a small hatchback and have always had an easy time accessing the driveway. In snow, well that's another issue! From the driveway, guests will walk down 2 flights of stairs to a private patio below the main deck. The front door code allows for self-check in. You'll have private access to the lower patio, along with a shared small lookout area just below. (I have plans for that area, but for now there's a sitting bench to take it another view, more of the hillside under the canopy of Oaks. The upper deck is private and available to the guests of the main cabin, the Dark Sky Den (sleeps up to 4 people). Give a wave if you see a friendly face pass by. Other things to note TRAVEL INSURANCE: Airbnb policy states that hosts are not responsible to refund guests for any travel issues such as bad weather, guest illness, missed flights or any other travel issues. It is strongly recommended that guests purchase Airbnb’s guest travelers insurance. This must be done at the time of booking. Search Airbnb Resources for "Understanding Travel Insurance for Airbnb Guests" GUESTS: This Den is perfect for 1 or 2 people. This allows for the most comfortable stay and does not overload the home. Do not attempt to add more guests because the space (and septic system) will not accommodate you. WEATHER: Julian has 4 full seasons and The Den sits at 4,200 elevation. Please check the weather ahead of your travels and prepare accordingly. - Spring (March to May) is when the area comes alive in full spectrum! It's jaw dropping to see the trees and flowers in blossom everywhere you turn. Days are warmer and turn pretty chilly as the sun sets. Dress in layers. - Summers (June to Aug) are warm (80's - 90's), and can be hot at times (high 90's) but much cooler than the desert. The cabin does not have AC (plenty of fans available, with cross ventilation by windows on all sides). - Fall (Sept to Nov) colors are incredible and picturesque. The air gets crispy and cozy. The best time for apple picking, and doing all those fun Fall things! - Winters (Dec to Feb) come with breathtakingly beautiful snow and sometimes heavy rains. This may also make travel into the area and driveway difficult without the proper vehicle or supplies. Check the weather ahead of time to see what you can expect. The area is prone to high winds at times, anywhere between 5 to 20 mph. NEIGHBORS: Please be respectful about noise. Although there's distance between us, we do still have neighbors. And because we're on top of the hill, sound carries. You'll believe me when you hear the early morning birds having their town hall meetings! ; ) You may see an occasional car drive pass by to the home next door. OUTDOOR SECURITY CAMERA There is a security camera located outside of the main cabin, facing the driveway and first set of stairs onto the main deck. Another camera is located downstairs at the front door facing the lower patio. And a 3rd on the upper deck.